I grew up in a reading household. I will even go as far as to say that I am a fourth-generation bookworm. I remember vividly going to the mailbox and finding the yellow, bubble wrap-lined envelopes that my great-grandmother would send my mother after she had finished reading her latest murder mystery. There was a four-book minimum for bedtime stories.

I read the entirety of the "series of unfortunate events" series in a month at the age of eleven, have I set the stage well enough? Okay good, moving on.

I thought about this list for quite some time the three books that truly felt altering for me as a reader were the following.

Ida B

This was a scholastic book pick for us in the 5th grade, so we read it as a class. This was the first book that I had ever read, that made me forget I was reading. How magical is that feeling? My bookworms get it. It was the first book that I read a character who was my age, and I was experiencing the world through her eyes. I believe the fact that I remember the story details eighteen years later, speaks volumes.

Next up; Snow Flower & The Secret Fan

This book taught me so much about developing characters; human relations, and how strong of a narrative a friendship can drive. I'm not here to spout philosophy about human connection and its driving force, because I am not the expert. But the friendship between Snowflower + Lily is nothing short of magic.

This was also my first introduction to the Historical Fiction genre (which now is my preferred reading genre.) I am not a history buff by any stretch of the imagination, in fact, it was my least favorite subject in school. I was too young at the time to appreciate the intense amount of work that goes into researching and executing a historical fiction in a way that doesn't feel like info dumping or pushing a political agenda of some sort. Lisa See in my mind, reigns as one of the queens in the kingdom of historical fiction genre.

Last but not least, The Bird King

I will admit openly, that fantasy is very rarely a book genre that I look forward to diving into. I know all the BookTok girlies will have strong recommendations to change my mind, however...

THIS BOOK! This book was one that I picked up on the way to the airport when going to collect my baby brother from LAX. If I'm being completely frank, I chose it mostly for the cover, and it was on one of the display tables at Barnes & Noble.

The world-building was immaculate, quite descript and I had to have focus to comprehend, but the way I was sucked into the adventure was an experience that has yet to be matched by anything else.

I want to know in the comments below, what are your books that still remain ingrained in the foundation of who you are as a reader?

There can be so many factors from the age you read it, a time in your life that the story helped you tread uncharted waters, a character that made you feel seen...

Till next time book besties, Happy Reading

xo Blake